-Capitol Dime Register Bank (registering)- still bank c. 1940 - 1950

Editor: So, this is the “Capitol Dime Register Bank,” a still bank made from metal and found objects, dating from around 1940 to 1950. It’s a curious little thing. The wear and tear gives it a sense of history, almost nostalgia. I'm interested in what you make of it from a historical perspective. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, immediately, I see a commentary on American values, particularly during the mid-20th century. The Capitol building, a symbol of democracy and national stability, is literally being used to house and "register" savings, even something as small as dimes. This elevates personal finance to a patriotic act. Consider the post-war emphasis on economic prosperity and the rise of consumer culture – owning a home, saving for the future. This object reflects that era’s preoccupation with financial security and the institutions, like banks, that fostered it. Does this object normalize financial institutions? Editor: That's interesting. It suggests that saving money wasn't just about personal gain, but about contributing to the national ideal. So, this little bank, likely found in many homes, played a small part in shaping those societal values? Curator: Exactly! The fact that it’s made from relatively inexpensive metal and possibly mass-produced suggests that it was intended for a wide audience. The idea of ‘registering’ – quantifying – wealth connects with the broader development of accounting, quantification, and statistics that underpinned the growth of large-scale bureaucratic and financial organizations. The state itself registers! Editor: So, in that context, its humbleness as an everyday object actually makes it a powerful cultural artifact. Curator: Precisely. What seems like a simple child’s bank reveals deeper connections between personal habits, national identity, and the growth of a modern financial system. How does seeing it in this new light change your perception? Editor: I initially saw a nostalgic object, but now I recognize its significance as a subtle piece of propaganda, reflecting and reinforcing the social and political values of its time. Fascinating.